Best Exploration games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated exploration games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free exploration games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Rise of the Third Power
Rise of the Third Power is a retro-themed, console-style roleplaying game, loosely based on the political climate of Europe in the late 1930's. The story takes place in the land of Rin during the height of the Age of Sail, following the events that would lead to the greatest war in human history.
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Descend into madness in a first-person survival horror inspired by Lovecraft and Giger. Solve the mystery of esoteric cults. Cross the gate to the blasphemous land of Lusst’ghaa. Play the new M-rated cut of the fan-favorite Lust from Beyond.
PowerSlave Exhumed
PowerSlave Exhumed is a KEX Engine port of the classic console game perfectly blending both the PlayStation & Saturn versions
The Heilwald Loophole
The Heilwald Klinikum used to be one of the most renowned medical facilities in Germany. That all changed when that curious loophole appeared...
Porcelain Tales
Collect, run and be a pain in the porcelain
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition
Humanity is fighting a losing battle against the virus. Experience a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by hordes of zombies, where your parkour and combat skills are key to survival. Traverse the City freely during the day, but watch the monsters take over during the night.
SCP: Nine-Tailed Fox
You are a leader of Foxtrot Unit 1 "Nine-Tailed Fox", a highly trained force tasked with re-containing a multitude of terrifying anomalous monsters that have broken loose inside of a top-secret research facility.
Zenith: Nexus
Fight, explore, and lose yourself in an anime-inspired world built for VR. Two action-packed game modes available. How will you use your power?
Wanderer
Built from the ground up for VR, Wanderer has a unique blend of escape room style puzzles, tactile hands on interactions and action arcade sequences to bring you the ultimate time travel adventure. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before you?
Mortal Online 2
A persistent sandbox world. No classes or levels. Train the skills you want for your own unique build. Player-driven trade, economy, and housing. Millions of crafting combinations. First-person immersive combat. Exploration. Bosses. Full loot, full PvP. The world of Nave is yours - who will you be?
Hidden Deep
Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below…
Strange Horticulture
Strange Horticulture is an occult puzzle game in which you play as the proprietor of a local plant store. Find and identify new plants, pet your cat, speak to a coven, or join a cult. Use your collection of powerful plants to influence the story and unravel Undermere’s dark mysteries.
Word Game
Word game is literally a game of words. Player controls "I" to find clues between lines, delete words to change the meaning of sentences, or shift words to rewrite facts. “I” must be wise and brave enough complete the mission of words. May the best "I” win!
Jivana
Jivana is a story-driven adventure game. Embody Aelis, a water priestess who uses her powers to open the path for her community, forced to flee after the appearance of a huge cataclysm. Explore the enchanting landscapes of Jivana, use your ability to manipulate water and lead your people to safety.
Pupperazzi: The Dog Photography Game
Put your love for pups to the test - we have a bunch of dogs that need their photos taken, doggone it! Photograph and catalogue the finest (and derpiest) dogs to build your career, upgrade your camera, and discover new canines. WOOF.
Nobody Saves the World
Transform from a featureless nobody into a SLUG, a GHOST and a DRAGON in this new take on Action RPGs from the creators of Guacamelee! Discover 15+ distinct Forms, mix-and-match their abilities, clear evolving dungeons and... SAVE THE WORLD!?
Ever Seen A Cat?
A relaxing hidden object game. Find cats in several stylish environments! Every play through is different!
Supraland Six Inches Under
A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, combat! A first-person-metroidvania taking place six inches under Supraland.
God of War
His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
Garden of the Sea (VR)
You wake up on a small island in a magical world. Grow your garden, nurture local creatures, furnish your home or adventure across the seas to explore more islands and gather new resources. This world is for you.
Internet Cafe Simulator 2
Internet Cafe Simulator 2 is an extremely comprehensive and detailed internet cafe business simulation game.
Fears to Fathom - Norwood Hitchhike
Holly Gardner, a 19 year old on an interstate drive experiences unusual happenings that leads to an unplanned stay at a motel, little did she know what was transpiring down in Norwood Valley.Most played exploration games on Steam
Take a look at the top exploration games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Fallout 4
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, welcome you to the world of Fallout 4 – their most ambitious game ever, and the next generation of open-world gaming. Fallout 4 is a open world, post-apocalyptic and singleplayer game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on November 09th 2015 has received 389,914 reviews of which 323,883 were positive and 66,031 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played exploration game, thanks to its 15,701 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
323,883
66,031
15,701
players
2. Blue Prince
Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46? Blue Prince is a puzzle, exploration and mystery game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 2,515 reviews of which 2,080 were positive and 435 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 14,628 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among exploration games based on player count.
8.0
2,080
435
14,628
players
3. No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. No Man's Sky is a open world, open world survival craft and space game developed and published by Hello Games. Released on August 12th 2016 has received 349,909 reviews of which 290,482 were positive and 59,427 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 9,228 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among exploration games based on player count.
8.2
290,482
59,427
9,228
players
4. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 99,111 reviews of which 76,646 were positive and 22,465 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 7,265 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played exploration games.
7.7
76,646
22,465
7,265
players
5. Lords of the Fallen
A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The definitive Version 2.0 out now: features Shared Progression Co-op & Free Friend’s Pass. Lords of the Fallen is a exploration, souls-like and combat game developed and published by CI Games. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 35,500 reviews of which 22,944 were positive and 12,556 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 5,880 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played exploration games.
6.4
22,944
12,556
5,880
players
6. Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity. Forever Skies is a singleplayer, exploration and co-op game developed and published by Far From Home. Released on April 14th 2025 has received 5,873 reviews of which 4,929 were positive and 944 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 3,958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played exploration games.
8.1
4,929
944
3,958
players
7. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Explore a world filled with the magic of Disney as you discover rich stories and build the perfect neighborhood alongside Disney and Pixar heroes and villains in this new life-sim adventure game. Welcome to Disney Dreamlight Valley. Disney Dreamlight Valley is a relaxing, life sim and character customization game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 05th 2023 has received 20,336 reviews of which 18,683 were positive and 1,653 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,730 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.0
18,683
1,653
2,730
players
8. ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world. ENA: Dream BBQ is a surreal, adventure and singleplayer game developed by ENA Team and published by Joel G. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 17,840 reviews of which 17,627 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,235 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.6
17,627
213
2,235
players
9. Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious. Rain World is a difficult, atmospheric and survival game developed by Videocult and published by Akupara Games. Released on March 28th 2017 has received 40,905 reviews of which 38,494 were positive and 2,411 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,834 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.2
38,494
2,411
1,834
players
10. DREDGE
DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten. DREDGE is a exploration, fishing and lovecraftian game developed by Black Salt Games and published by Team17. Released on March 30th 2023 has received 41,979 reviews of which 40,235 were positive and 1,744 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,620 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played exploration games.
9.4
40,235
1,744
1,620
players
Best deals on exploration games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of exploration games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted exploration games.
1. Figment 2: Creed Valley
Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments. Figment 2: Creed Valley is a soundtrack, exploration and puzzle game developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Bedtime Digital Games and 4Divinity. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,057 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for exploration category.
8.9
1,057
67
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. Astalon: Tears of the Earth
Uphold your pact with the Titan of Death, Epimetheus! Fight, climb and solve your way through a twisted tower as three unique adventurers, on a mission to save their village from impending doom! Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a fantasy, exploration and metroidvania game developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment. Released on June 03rd 2021 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in exploration games.
8.6
1,023
101
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life. The Red Lantern is a exploration, dog and choose your own adventure game developed by Timberline Studio and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on December 08th 2021 has received 951 reviews of which 785 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in exploration games.
7.8
785
166
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Last Room
Dive into a world of puzzles, medieval mysteries, and strategic challenges. Navigate, solve, and leap your way through a thrilling adventure. Last Room is a exploration, hidden object and strategy game developed and published by Quantum Forge Studios. Released on June 14th 2021 has received 378 reviews of which 264 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.7
264
114
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
5. The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is a narrative-driven time loop adventure in ancient Rome. Discover the ruins of an ancient underground city, travel 2000 years into the past, and unravel the mystery of who destroyed it by cleverly exploiting the power to wind back time. The fate of the city is in your hands. The Forgotten City is a adventure, time travel and mystery game developed by Modern Storyteller and published by Dear Villagers. Released on July 28th 2021 has received 11,265 reviews of which 10,827 were positive and 438 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for exploration games.
9.3
10,827
438
-94%
23.00€
1.38€
6. Escape From Mystwood Mansion
In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret? Escape From Mystwood Mansion is a escape room, puzzle and cozy game developed and published by Lost Sock Studio. Released on September 27th 2023 has received 871 reviews of which 819 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.8
819
52
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
7. My Little Universe
Stranded on a barren moon with nothing but your tools, fuelless ship, and celestial powers of creation, you are destined to recreate what was once lost and be the hero of your own Little Universe! Don't forget to call in up to three of your friends to join your journey in the Splitscreen Co-op Mode! My Little Universe is a mining, exploration and dungeon crawler game developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. Released on October 05th 2023 has received 1,489 reviews of which 1,294 were positive and 195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.3
1,294
195
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love. Genesis Noir is a noir, point & click and story rich game developed by Feral Cat Den and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on March 26th 2021 has received 1,960 reviews of which 1,541 were positive and 419 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for exploration games.
7.6
1,541
419
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. Mail Time
It's Mail Time! As a newly trained Mail Scout, put on your pack, grab those letters, and deliver them across Grumblewood Grove! The forest animals eagerly await the sight of your mushroom hat in this cozy, cottagecore light-platformer adventure! Mail Time is a exploration, cute and platformer game developed by Kela van der Deijl and published by indie.io. Released on April 27th 2023 has received 1,345 reviews of which 1,141 were positive and 204 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for exploration games.
8.1
1,141
204
-92%
19.25€
1.54€
10. Paradise Lost
It's winter, 1980. Szymon, a boy raised in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, finds an abandoned Nazi bunker. Will he find what he’s looking for? Play Paradise Lost and explore an underground world, where Slavic mythology mixes with retrofuturistic technology. Discover the last story on Earth. Paradise Lost is a underground, walking simulator and exploration game developed by PolyAmorous and published by Walkabout. Released on March 24th 2021 has received 2,363 reviews of which 1,518 were positive and 845 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for exploration games.
6.3
1,518
845
-92%
15.38€
1.23€
Free exploration games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play exploration games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play exploration games.
1. ENA: Dream BBQ
Experience surreal environments and inexplicable characters as ENA in a new wild world. ENA: Dream BBQ is a surreal, adventure and singleplayer game developed by ENA Team and published by Joel G. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 17,840 reviews of which 17,627 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,235 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
17,627
213
2,235
players
2. Satisfactory Modeler
Model your Satisfactory builds. Set up your machines however you like, adding optional limits to the number of any of those machines and the tool will calculate how the parts will flow and how many of each machine type are getting used. Satisfactory Modeler is a free to play, indie and simulation game developed and published by David Price. Released on September 17th 2024 has received 706 reviews of which 688 were positive and 18 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 725, this exploration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
9.1
688
18
725
players
3. AdventureQuest 3D
The Void King is raising an army in secret. Death has chosen you as his champion to bring him down. Adventure & quest alongside your friends in this bizarre cross-platform MMORPG from the creators of the original, and comically-redundantly named... AdventureQuest! Weekly releases! AdventureQuest 3D is a mmorpg, exploration and hack and slash game developed and published by Artix Entertainment and LLC. Released on October 28th 2022 has received 9,235 reviews of which 7,550 were positive and 1,685 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 253, this exploration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free exploration games on Steam.
8.0
7,550
1,685
253
players
4. King Arthur: Legends Rise
Embark on a dark squad RPG journey inspired by King Arthur's perilous adventures. Gather loyal heroes, explore a vast world, and battle against mythical bosses and monsters to restore the kingdom's former glory. King Arthur: Legends Rise is a exploration, free to play and strategy game developed by Kabam Games and Inc. and published by Netmarble. Released on January 21st 2025 has received 459 reviews of which 300 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 232 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
6.3
300
159
232
players
5. Argentum Online
Argentum Online, a 2D MMORPG, offers epic quests, dungeon delves, and battles in a fantasy world. Emphasizing community, it features alliances, PvP, and a player-driven economy, all within a vibrant open-world setting. Argentum Online is a mmorpg, rpg and pixel graphics game developed and published by Noland Studios. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 652 reviews of which 485 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 170 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.1
485
167
170
players
6. FPV SkyDive : FPV Drone Simulator
FPV SkyDive is a free-to-play realistic drone racing and freestyle simulator. Feel the adrenaline of high speed first-person view drone racing in single-player or multi-player scenarios. The future is now, become an FPV pilot today! FPV SkyDive : FPV Drone Simulator is a exploration, flight and racing game developed and published by ORQA. Released on May 31st 2021 has received 2,088 reviews of which 1,715 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free exploration games on Steam.
7.9
1,715
373
108
players
7. Ylands
Adventure awaits you and your friends in the world of Ylands! Gather resources, craft tools, construct anything and everything, and explore the lands! Build a ship and set sail, encountering mythical animals, a wide variety of sea-life, enemies of all kinds and much more! Ylands is a adventure, multiplayer and free to play game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 7,971 reviews of which 5,021 were positive and 2,950 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
6.2
5,021
2,950
96
players
8. Illusion Carnival
A lost soul wanders through a whimsical, eerie pop-up book like amusement park. Dive into fun-filled stages, encounter unique characters, fend off spirit erosion, and uncover the park's hidden secrets. The enchanting yet dark Illusion Carnival begins now. Illusion Carnival is a psychological horror, 2.5d and cute game developed and published by KiZ. Released on July 11th 2024 has received 4,206 reviews of which 4,128 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.4
4,128
78
34
players
9. King of Crabs
Battle Royale with crabs! Intense multiplayer action, with up to 100 players! Scrap, scavenge and slaughter your way to becoming the King of Crabs! King of Crabs is a exploration, pve and hack and slash game developed by Robot Squid and Spilt Milk Studios Ltd and published by Robot Squid. Released on September 25th 2023 has received 8,962 reviews of which 7,089 were positive and 1,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
7.7
7,089
1,873
28
players
10. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 23,856 reviews of which 23,343 were positive and 513 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free exploration games on Steam.
9.6
23,343
513
18
players